Physics has long failed to explain life – but we're testing a groundbreaking new theory in the lab

Life seems to just mysteriously ‘emerge’ from non-living parts, such as elementary particles.

Lee Cronin, Regius Chair of Chemistry, University of Glasgow • conversation
Oct. 24, 2023 ~7 min

AI can process more information than humans – so will it stop us repeating our mistakes?

We can now store information outside of our brains, and use computers to retrieve it. That ought to make learning and remembering easy, right?

Anders Sandberg, James Martin Research Fellow, Future of Humanity Institute & Oxford Martin School, University of Oxford • conversation
April 26, 2023 ~9 min


A new strategy for western states to adapt to long-term drought: Customized water pricing

Even after January’s storms, California faces a water-scarce future. An economist and an engineer propose a way to test higher water prices as a conservation strategy without hurting low-income users.

Bhaskar Krishnamachari, Ming Hsieh Faculty Fellow and Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Southern California • conversation
Feb. 13, 2023 ~8 min

How to test if we're living in a computer simulation

There may be ways to check if our universe is just simulated entertainment for an advanced, alien species.

Melvin M. Vopson, Senior Lecturer in Physics, University of Portsmouth • conversation
Nov. 21, 2022 ~8 min

The mathematics of human behaviour: how my new model can spot liars and counter disinformation

Mathematical model suggests information processing lies at the heart of decision making.

Dorje C Brody, Professor of Mathematics, University of Surrey • conversation
June 26, 2022 ~8 min

Aaron Rodgers dropped the ball on critical thinking – with a little practice you can do better

Critical thinking means seeking out new information – especially facts that might run contrary to what you believe – and being willing to change your mind. And it’s a teachable skill.

Joe Árvai, Dana and David Dornsife Professor of Psychology and Director of the Wrigley Institute for Environmental Studies, USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences • conversation
Dec. 1, 2021 ~11 min

The Internet Archive has been fighting for 25 years to keep what's on the web from disappearing – and you can help

Portions of the internet disappear every day. Preservation of this historical record requires a proactive approach by archivists and everyday citizens.

Stephanie Shreffler, Collections Librarian/Archivist and Associate Professor, University Libraries, University of Dayton • conversation
Aug. 13, 2021 ~8 min

The world’s data explained: how much we're producing and where it's all stored

The growth in information production appears unstoppable.

Melvin M. Vopson, Senior Lecturer in Physics, University of Portsmouth • conversation
May 4, 2021 ~6 min


Some bees are born curious while others are more single-minded – new research hints at how the hive picks which flowers to feast on

New research suggests individual bees are born with one of two learning styles – either curious or focused. Their genetic tendency has implications for how the hive works together.

Chelsea Cook, Assistant Professor in Biology, Marquette University • conversation
Oct. 5, 2020 ~7 min

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